ESCWA WEEKLY NEWS No. 56

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020

Western Asia is projected to see a moderate growth recovery in 2020, as the region’s outlook remains subject to high downside risks, according to the United Nations report “World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2020”, which was launched on 16 January.

In 2019, the region experienced a sharp decline in growth, owing to both sluggish domestic demand and weakening external demand. Average GDP growth is estimated to have dropped to 1.0 per cent from 2.1 per cent in 2018.

The main downside risks are a substantial decline in oil prices, further deterioration in the real estate sector, and an intensification of geopolitical risks. Since the unemployment rate is already high, an economic slowdown can trigger social unrest as has been witnessed in 2019.

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Disruptive technologies for improved water resources management

On 15 January, ESCWA and the World Bank concluded a two-day workshop on accessing disruptive technologies for improved water resources management under climate change.

The workshop identified challenges, opportunities and innovative approaches for utilizing disruptive technologies and climate projections. Representatives of ministries and institutions responsible for water resources management and ministries of foreign affairs in member States exchanged experiences and best practices in that area.

Participants identified key challenges and opportunities for using disruptive technologies to inform decision-making. Based on identified opportunities, they collectively developed a road map for capacity development needs and asked ESCWA and the World Bank to implement it.

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ESCWA and UNSSC Arabic language training support

In Bonn, Germany, on 14 January, ESCWA and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation for the delivery of Arabic language training support in the region.

ESCWA Executive Secretary, Rola Dashti, and UNSSC Director, Jafar Javan, agreed to bolster collaboration between the two entities to deliver Arabic language training and capacity-building to government entities offices of the United Nations in the Arab region. Training material will be made available to the public at large when possible.
 

Did you know...

… that human activity continues to erode the health of ecosystems on which all species depend? The loss of forests is slowing but continues at an alarming rate; one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, and an estimated 20% of the Earth’s land area was degraded between 2000 and 2015, directly impacting the lives of over one billion people.

Photo credit: Mohamed Ahmed Yousry, Egypt

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